699. JOB 1:4, JOB 1:5. FAMILY FESTIVITIES. [NO. II.]

Job_1:4, Job_1:5. Family Festivities. [No. II.]

"And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them," &c.’97Job_1:4, Job_1:5.

We have contemplated Job in his earthly dignity, and in his moral excellence. We have seen the integrity and piety of his soul towards God, and his equity and benevolence towards his fellowmen.

Our text brings him before us in his domestic relationship, and shows us how he acted as the head of his family. And here we behold the same exhibition of godly excellences.

That must indeed be a singular religion which does not sanctify the paternal character, and which does not exert its holy influence on the social circle.

Observe,

I. The festivities described.

II. The line of conduct which Job adopted. I. The festivities described.

It is evident that his sons were now arrived at maturity, and had their separate establishments, or dwellings. The feasts described were most probably their birth-day banquets. "Every one his day. And on these natal occasions the whole circle of the brethren and sisters were collected to rejoice.

Now, we may remark here, that all feasts are not in themselves sinful. We are often referred to such in Scripture, without any condemnation.

The blessings of the gospel are likened to a feast, &c.

We are authorized, in the day of prosperity, to rejoice.

It is evident that these feasts were distinguished by fraternal kindness and affection. "How good and pleasant a thing it is," &c. How such should cherish the spirit of love and gentleness. &c.

How often envy, and bickerings, and strife are found in the same family. Jacob’s family’97David’s family, &c.

Yet it is evident, that even in these feasts there was considerable moral peril. Job acknowledges this, was keenly alive to it. Solomon has said, "It is better to go to the house of mourning," &c.

Joy often terminates in levity. Mirthfulness in folly. And feasting in dissipation.

Feasting is not favorable to watchfulness, or to prayer; and is opposed to the spirit of self-denial. Observe,

II. The line of conduct which Job adopted.

Notice,

1. He evinced a lively interest in their spiritual welfare.

Some only care for the health of the bodies of their children’97for their worldly advantage. He recognized them as immortal responsible beings. He was concerned for their souls. Can a godly parent feel otherwise? Dear friends, do you feel thus?

2. He offered up sacrifices on their behalf.

And he did so for their sanctification.

Now in these sacrifices, guilt was acknowledged’97punishment deprecated’97and faith in God’s mercy exercised. These sacrifices had respect doubtless to the Lamb of God, who was promised to take away the sin of the world.

Now in these sacrifices, observe,

(1.) The time. "Early." Religion and the soul should be first.

(2.) Their number. A sacrifice for each of his sons. Each required one. He loved and cared for the salvation of each and all.

(3.) The design. He feared they might have sinned and cursed God, or have fallen into profanity of speech; and that they might have forgotten God in their mirth. Observe here the inefficiency of animal sacrifices; for,

(4.) He did this continually. Thus these sacrifices were merely typical, and required often to be presented. See Heb_10:1-14.

Now what are the great practical uses of this part of Job’s history?

1. We have a beautiful exhibition of relative piety.

Job like Joshua resolved, &c. His family was a congregation for God. He had his altar’97his sacrifices’97he acted as head and priest. Brethren, do you resemble the pious patriarch in these things?

2. We have an interesting view of constancy in religion.

Doubtless Job began early; but now his sons were mature,’97yet the bond subsisted. He was still their father. His love, and care, and exertions did not cease. His offerings’97prayers’97influence, &c. What a fine picture! Job’97his sons’97the altar’97the victims’97the fire is laid’97the offering presented’97the smoke ascends’97the fire falls’97and then they retire impressed, and instructed, and comforted, to their respective avocations. And this scene is repeated again and again. Job wearies not in God’s service, or in pious concern for his children. How different to this is the feeble, flickering, irregular services of the many, who profess to serve God.

One word to induce imitation of it, on all heads of families present:’97

Look at it as a duty.

Look at it as a privilege. To be the instrument of good to the souls of your children.

Look at the enjoyment it must yield, through life’97on the death-bed’97at the day of judgment.

Finally,’97

We invite the guilty to the great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus, offered for sin. He is the one and only offering. He is the sacrifice for all. Come to him by faith and penitential supplication; and consecrate yourselves to him.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS